BAY CITY -- Families in Bay City waved goodbye to their soldiers getting ready to serve in Iraq. The 858th T.C. unit is a newer and smaller unit, but one with its share of veteran's.
It’s always hard leaving home, like the soldiers of the 858 military unit in Bay City. Staff Sgt. Jason Sanchez has been through this once before, but says it doesn't get any easier.
"I was deployed back in 91, of course I didn't have children then so it's a new experience. I have a 5 year old son who will be starting Kindergarten so I'll miss out on that, but I will get pictures. I have a three month old and a 12 year old," Sgt. Sanchez stated. But he says he is ready for the mission. "I am proud to have the ability to serve my country. I'll miss my family and friends but we'll be back. I'm looking forward to coming back."
His sons understand that dad has to go away, they just don't want him gone too long. Either way, they say they are proud. "I want him to get the bad guys, but I'll miss him," his son, Anthony Jason Sanchez, stated. His other son, Cody Collver, added, "it's for freedom for our country pretty much so I support that."
The same emotions hold true for the family of Sgt. Darrell Davis of Bay City. He too has been previously deployed to Iraq, but leaving his three daughters home while he's away is difficult.
"The mood is anxious...upset. I hate the thought of leaving my wife and three girls," Sgt. Davis described. His wife, Becky Davis, says the girls will greatly miss him. "They are doing pretty good...We have lots of neighbors and friends that will write letters and keep him up to date," she said.
The 858 travels by bus to Fort Dix, New Jersey for training there before transitioning into Iraq to assist with combat troops there.
Captain Tim welters says thinking of the military as a family helps when being away. "Basically you have your family that you are with 24/7 back home. And you've got your military family and the hard part is the transition. You're with 20-something people...for the next year. Another 420 days we hope to be back to this location," Cpt. Wolters explained.
